Colombia's new passport model took effect on April 1, 2026, in a progressive rollout over ten years. Existing passports remain valid until their expiry date, with no immediate renewal required. The initiative aims to increase national autonomy in production by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The new passport scheme began its first phase, with Imprenta Nacional handling personalization and Servicios Postales Nacionales 4-72 managing distribution.
This transition stems from a controversy dating back to 2023, when President Gustavo Petro's government ended the contract with Thomas Greg & Sons after declaring the bidding process void. It led to lawsuits, transparency concerns, and worries over service stability.
The plan unfolds in four stages: after initial personalization, it will include assembly and numbering of cards, then printing of interior pages and covers, and finally data page production. Within a decade, Colombia aims to end dependence on Portugal's Casa de la Moneda.
The government argues it strengthens institutional capabilities, while political sectors and experts highlight potential delays in issuance.
